Comprehensive Guide to the National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam 2026

Achieving selection in the NDA 2026 requires thorough understanding of the latest UPSC notification, precise mastery of the two-stage exam pattern (Written + SSB), disciplined preparation of Mathematics & General Ability Test topics, and strategic engagement with Ground Zero Defence Academy’s expert coa/ching.

NDA 2026 Official Notification & Key Dates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the NDA 1 2026 notification on 10 December 2025, with the online application window open until 30 December 2025. The first exam (NDA 1 2026) is scheduled for 12 April 2026, and NDA 2 will be held on 13 September 2026.

• Notification Release: 10 December 2025
• Application Deadline: 30 December 2025
• NDA 1 Written Exam: 12 April 2026
• NDA 2 Written Exam: 13 September 2026
• SSB Interview: June – July 2026 (tentative)

Vacancies for NDA 1 2026 (approximate):
Army 208 (incl. 10 female), Navy 42 (incl. 6 female), Air Force 102 (incl. 4 female), Naval Academy 36 (incl. 5 female) — Total 406.

Eligibility Criteria

Age & Marital Status:
Unmarried male/female born between 2 July 2006 and 1 July 2009.

Educational Qualification:

• Army Wing: 12th pass (10+2) or equivalent.
• Air Force & Naval Wings / 10+2 Cadet Entry: 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics.

Candidates appearing in their 12th exam (10+2) in 2025 may apply provisionally but must produce passing certificates by 15 December 2025.

Nationality:
Citizen of India, subject of Nepal, or person of Indian origin from specified countries with Government of India eligibility certificate.

Physical Standards:
As per Appendix IV of the official notification, including minimum height, chest measurements, eyesight norms, and overall fitness for all three services.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Written Examination (900 Marks)

Conducted offline in two papers, each 2½ hours:

Paper I: Mathematics (300 Marks)

• 120 MCQs; +2.5 marks per correct, –0.83 per wrong.
  Key topics: Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Integral & Differential Calculus, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry, Statistics & Probability.

Paper II: General Ability Test (600 Marks)

• 150 MCQs; +4 marks per correct, –1.33 per wrong.
  – English (50 questions, 200 marks)
  – General Knowledge (100 questions, 400 marks) covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History & Freedom Movement, Geography, Current Events.

SSB Interview (900 Marks)

Candidates who clear the written exam undergo a five-day SSB process:

1. Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) + Picture Perception & Discussion Test.
2. Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, Personal Interview & Conference.

Final merit is based on written + SSB scores.

Detailed Preparation Strategy

Mathematics

• Start with Algebra and Coordinate Geometry for quick scoring.
• Master Trigonometry formulas and applications (heights & distances).
• Allocate time to Calculus and Probability in the last phase.
• Maintain a formula diary and revise daily.

General Ability Test

English:

• Focus on grammar rules, error spotting, sentence completion, vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms).
• Practice comprehension passages under timed conditions.

General Knowledge:

• Physics & Chemistry: Concept clarity through NCERT XI–XII textbooks.
• History & Geography: Emphasize Indian freedom movement and physical geography.
• Current Affairs: Daily updates on defence developments, international relations, environmental policies.

SSB Interview

• Develop communication skills and group discussion confidence.
• Practice picture perception, storytelling, and psychological tests.
• Build a service-oriented personality—leadership, teamwork, integrity.

Ground Zero Defence Academy for NDA 2026

Ground Zero Defence Academy delivers tailored coaching in Dehradun for NDA aspirants. The academy’s comprehensive 2026 batch program includes:

1. Foundation Course: Rigorous coverage of 10+2 syllabus for drop-year students.
2. Regular Batch Classes: Daily interactive lectures for Mathematics and GAT.
3. Test Series: Weekly full-length mocks aligned with UPSC pattern, post-test analysis.
4. SSB Workshops: Dedicated sessions on leadership tasks, communication drills, and psych tests.
5. Current Affairs Module: Expert-led discussions on defence and geopolitics.
6. Digital Resources: Access to video lectures, recorded sessions, e-books, and formula banks.
7. Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one doubt clearance and study planning.
8. Hostel & Residential Facilities: Comfortable, secure accommodations with mess and study environment.
9. Performance Tracking: Bi-monthly progress reports and parent-teacher interactions.
10. Alumni Network: Guidance from successful NDA 2025 qualifiers.

Ground Zero’s Dehradun centre offers state-of-the-art classrooms, an extensive library, and regular guest lectures by retired officers.

Conclusion

Success in NDA 2026 demands early start, disciplined study of the written pattern, strategic SSB preparation, and the right coaching environment. Ground Zero Defence Academy’s Dehradun NDA coaching combines authoritative UPSC-aligned content, robust test practice, and holistic mentorship—optimizing aspirants’ chances to secure a prestigious seat in India’s National Defence Academy. Make your journey count with systematic preparation, expert guidance, and unwavering dedication.